DEAR ABBY: I have a beautiful, loving niece, "Marissa," who just turned 30. She desperately wants to be married and have children.
Marissa has been dating a man for two years. Last week, he told her that she's the one he wants to marry and have children with, but he's not ready to do it yet.
We have tried to talk to Marissa and encourage her to go out with friends and enjoy life, but she can't seem to do it. Every time she hears that someone has gotten engaged or become pregnant, she gets depressed. Have you any words of wisdom for Marissa? We have exhausted our supply. Please print this. When I see your answer, I'll run it right over to her apartment. -- CARING AUNT IN OHIO
DEAR AUNT: If Marissa won't listen to you and those who love her, she's not going to be receptive to "wisdom" from me. She does, however, need some answers before she devotes any more time to her boyfriend.
After two years, why isn't he ready for marriage? Is he not ready emotionally? Financially? Does he still have wild oats to sow?
Her biological clock is ticking. If he really plans to have a family with her, a talk with her ob-gyn might speed him to the altar. If it doesn't, she should move on.